BASEBALL FACTORY NEWS

Online Registration issue fixed for Under Armour National Tryouts and SCR Program

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

On August 5th the Baseball Factory website had an internal issue with online player registration for all Under Armour National Tryout and Signature College Recruiting (SCR) Program events. We have recognized this issue and it has been corrected. If you attempted to register online for either the Under Armour National Tryout or the SCR Program and your registration was declined or you received an error message, please feel free to re-register online or call 800.641.4487 and speak with a player representative.

We apologize for the inconvenience. We are continuously striving to fix any issues with our website in a timely fashion.

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX STADIUM TO HOST THE 2008 TEAM ONE FUTURES SHOWCASE

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Team One Baseball
1000 Bristol Street North Suite 17285
Newport Beach, CA 92660

CONTACT:
Justin Roswell: jroswell@teamonebaseball.com for Team One Baseball
800-621-5452

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX STADIUM TO HOST THE 2008 TEAM ONE FUTURES SHOWCASE

The Game Showcases the Nation’s Top High School Sophomore and Junior Baseball Players

Newport Beach, CA. (August 5, 2008) – Team One Baseball today announced that the 2008 Team One Futures Showcase will be played at the Peoria Sports Complex Stadium on Friday, October 24 at 6:30 PM PST.

The 2008 Team One Futures Showcase will showcase thirty-six of the nation’s best rising sophomores and juniors from across the country at the Peoria Sports Complex. A committee of Baseball Factory and Team One Baseball scouts will select the players.

This is not the first underclass showcase held in the history of Team One Baseball. Team One Baseball last held a premier underclass showcase in 2005. At that time, the event was called the Team One National Underclass Game. Notable players from that event include Josh Vitters, 2007 No.3 Overall Pick, Chicago Cubs and Blake Beavan, 2007 No.17 Overall Pick, Texas Rangers. In addition, Christian Colon (Cal State Fullerton) and Kyle Blair (San Diego) were recently named to Baseball America’s 2008 Freshman All-American Team.

Based on their performance, players from the 2008 Team One Futures Showcase may be selected to compete in the 2009 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament or the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game.

The 2008 Under Armour All-America Baseball game will be played at the historic Wrigley Field on Sunday, August 17. Previously called the Cape Cod High School Classic, presented by Under Armour, this marks the first-year that Under Armour will serve as the game’s title sponsor. This is the first-ever high school All-America game to be played at Wrigley Field. The game is airing live nationally on ESPNU at 1:35 p.m. CST.

About Team One Baseball & Baseball Factory
In 2004, Baseball Factory and Team One Baseball, the number one company for top-flight showcases, formed a partnership to optimize the services offered to student-athletes, college baseball coaches and professional scouts. Team One Baseball holds showcases at locations across the country where the best players from across the nation perform in front of college coaches and professional scouts. Since 1992, over 100 Team One players have been selected in the first round of the Major League. Notable Team One alumnus include AL Cy Young Winner Roy Halladay, All Star’s Prince Fielder, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Brian Roberts, and many other big league stars and future prospects. Together, Baseball Factory and Team One have assisted players in obtaining over $500 million in scholarships and over 2,000 players from Baseball Factory and Team One have been selected in the amateur draft with over 175 of those players going on to play in the Major Leagues.

Factory Players Columbus, OH

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Baldwin Wallace College, Cleveland, OH

For every SCR | Under Armour Tryout Event throughout the United States & Canada Baseball Factory Scouts will be selecting several categories of Factory players that include the Top Prospect, Top Underclassmen, Top Hitter, Top Pitcher, and Diamond in the Rough (when applicable).

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National
Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National
setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Frank DeSico | 2B | 5’9/185 | St. Ignatius (OH) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Joe Aulizia | SS | 5’9/160 | Howland (OH) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Shane Henkel | RHP | 6’2/185 | Gateway (PA) HS | 2010

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Marcus Heath | OF | 6’1/190 | Badger (OH) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Baseball Factory Alumni Garner All-American Honors

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

After his first season with the University of South Florida baseball team, outfielder Ryan Lockwood has garnered five freshman All-American honors. After becoming the first freshman to lead the Big East in hitting, Lockwood was named the 2008 Louisville Slugger Freshman of the Year by Collegiate Baseball.

Lockwood is a first team honoree on the Rivals.com Freshman All-America Team, and is one of just six outfielders chosen for the two-team, 32-player list. Along with the Rivals.com award, Lockwood also earned Freshman All-American honors from Baseball America, Louisville Slugger, the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association and Ping! Baseball.

In conference games, Lockwood led all Big East players with a .523 OBP, was tied for the lead with a 1.000 fielding percentage and was fourth in hits with 44. In 23 league games, he had 14 multiple-hit games, including seven three-hit outings. He had at least one hit in each of his conference outings, and had no errors in center field. In his last five Big East games, he was 12-for-23 with a double, triple, three walks, three RBI, six runs scored and an outfield assist. Throughout the season, the native of Tampa earned three Big East Weekly Honor Roll awards.

Before his collegiate success, Lockwood shined at the 2005 Baseball Express Cape Cod High School Classic making the Defensive Play of the Game.

University of Miami freshman left-handed pitcher Chris Hernandez was named the 2008 Baseball America National Freshman of the Year.

Hernandez owned the best record by a freshman pitcher in Miami history going 11-0 with a 2.72 ERA. He struck out 117 in 112 2/3 innings while opponents hit just .223 against him. He was named the ACC Freshman of the Year, National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association inaugural National Freshman Pitcher of the Year and Collegiate Baseball National Freshman Pitcher of the Year. He also earned first team All-ACC honors as well as Louisville Slugger, NCBWA and Baseball America All-America honors.

Before his emergence as a dominant pitcher at the college level, Hernandez competed in two Team One events: the 2005 Team One South Florida Tryouts and the 2005 Team One South Showcase. He's the seventh Team One alum to be named National Freshman of the Year by Baseball America:

1996—Pat Burrell, 3B, Miami (Philadelphia Phillies)
1997—Brian Roberts, SS, North Carolina (Baltimore Orioles)
1998—Xavier Nady, 2B, California (Pittsburgh Pirates)
2000—Kevin Howard, 3B/SS, Miami
2003—Ryan Braun, SS, Miami (Milwaukee Brewers)
2005—Joe Savery, LHP/1B, Rice
2008—Chris Hernandez, LHP, Miami

Here are a number of other Baseball Factory Alumni who joined Lockwood and Hernandez on the Baseball America 2008 Freshman All-American Team:

First Team
(Player, College, Position, Baseball Factory Event)

Brett Eibner, University of Arkansas, UTIL – (Baseball Factory All-American 06)

Second Team

Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton, SS – (Team One National Underclass Game 05)
Brooks Raley, Texas A&M, UTIL – (Rookie Program 04 – Round Rock, TX)
Kyle Blair, University of San Diego, RHP – (Team One National Underclass Game 05)
Thain Simon, Santa Clara University, RHP – (Baseball Factory All-American 06)
Kevin Rhoderick, Oregon State University, RHP – (Cape Cod High School Classic 06

Factory Players Trenton, NJ

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Waterfront Park, Trenton, NJ

TOP PROSPECT: Brett Houseal | RHP | 6’3/215 | Hempfield (PA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Nick Kagel | 1B / RHP | 5’11/185 | Lawrence (NJ) MS | 2013

TOP PITCHER: Brett Houseal | RHP | 6’3/215 | Hempfield (PA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Don Haines | OF / LHP | 5’11/185 | Penns Grove (NJ) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Swinging for the Fences

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Former All Star Don Mattingly is trying to change the game of baseball, one bat at a time.

A hush comes over the crowd as Don Mattingly strides up to home plate and settles into his familiar batting crouch. But on this day, the bat barely leaves his shoulder. After just a few slow-motion half-swings, the lefty steps out of the batter's box without making contact with a single ball.

In his new role as co-founder of an eponymous sporting goods company, the former American League batting champ is conducting a hitting clinic for about a hundred uniformed little leaguers in a Modell's Sporting Goods store in Milford, Connecticut—so close to Red Sox nation that many of the store's replica jerseys are of Mattingly's old nemeses, popular Boston players. The only hitting today is off a T-ball stand into a net, and is done by a few lucky kids, who weren't alive when the "Hitman" was in his prime. They recognize him for his years as a Yankee coach, helping Joe Torre manage All Stars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Jason Giambi.

Mattingly, who still has bulging Popeye forearms and looks a little odd in loose-fitting olive-green pants and a black polo instead of pinstripes, patiently critiques each hitters' swing. He gets so wrapped up in giving tips and analyzing prepubescent hitting stances that he almost forgets to mention the bat he is supposed to be hawking.

Branded athletic gear is nothing new; more than a century ago, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner signed a deal with Hillerich & Bradsby allowing his signature to be used on their bats. But most are simple endorsement agreements, stamping a name on a product in exchange for cash—Michael Jordan didn't invent Air Jordans. Rarely is a superstar athlete the product designer, or as in this case, company founder and marketer.

"I'm selling a bat that's got a grip on it that teaches kids the right thing," Mattingly says. "I've got something that nobody else has got."

Overall, it's not a bad time for bats. The $216 million bat industry has been steadily increasing over the last few years; manufacturer sales are up 33 percent from 2000 to 2007, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Started in 2006, Mattingly's company now offers wood, aluminum, and composite bats and is in seven of the top 10 big-box retail chains. Sales increased last year by about 1,200 percent (the company won't reveal more specific numbers) and "we're on pace to grow significantly again this year," says C.E.O. Skip Shaw. "There's no question that the overall retail environment is lower this year, but we're still very pleased with our growth."

Traditionally, bat companies have focused their attention on the design of the barrel or on finding lighter, more elastic and durable materials to make the balls go farther and the bats last longer. But the round handle, for the most part, has been left alone.

Mattingly is an unlikely design maverick. During his time as a Yankee he was known for his work ethic and his commitment to the game and not his endorsement-chasing. He retired in 1995 after 13 full seasons in the big leagues, all played in the Bronx. He returned to his home in Evansville, Indiana, and like many middle-aged parents, spent a lot of time at the local baseball diamond watching his three boys play little league. Over time, he realized that many of the kids, including his own, were gripping the bat stiffly in the palm of their hands instead of in their fingertips. "The bat is not meant to be swung with muscle," he says. "It's meant to be swung with leverage and quickness and snap."

During his playing days, Mattingly shaved his handles to create a custom fit; it occurred to him that a triangle-shaped handle would make it easier for his kids to grip the bat correctly. The prototype was a success, and he realized that he had inadvertently stumbled on an innovation. "Basically the grip puts the bat in your hands the proper way," he says. "It really relaxes your hands and then it relaxes your arms." As a result, a player is able to whip the bat through the strike zone faster, adding yards to hits. In testing by Mattingly's company, kids using a "V-Grip" bat increased their bat head speed by about 7 percent on average, which adds an additional 18 feet on drives.

"The grip really sets them apart," says Kyle McDaniel, product manager for online retailer Justbats.com.

Mattingly, with help from Jim Wells, a hardwood lumber inspector, spent about a year further developing the handle and then patented the design. But he had trouble figuring out the next step.

"I didn't really have a business background," said Mattingly, who entered the Yankees farm system right out of high school. "I wasn't out there in the world working on, How do you get this to the marketplace?" On a flight from New York to Cincinnati he found himself next to Yankees fan and businessman Skip Shaw, who had worked at Sikorsky Aircraft and was then at Accenture. "I didn't recognize him when he sat down next to me," said Shaw. But after exchanging a few pleasantries, he realized: "Oh my God, I'm sitting next to Donnie Baseball."

By the end of the flight they were friends, and less than a year later Shaw had become president and C.E.O. of the company. Mattingly, who was just hired as the batting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is still deeply involved and attends every board meeting. But, he admits, "I'm not sitting here 24/7 in the office." He is updated via email almost daily, and, in addition to helping market the bats, approves every new product.

Soon that may include a lot more than just bats, which range in price from $35 for a T-ball bat to $350 for an adult composite bat. From the beginning, Shaw says, he didn't want to be "a little niche bat company, but to really compete with the other major brands in the sporting goods equipment business." The company is currently looking for game-changing innovations in a number of different sports.

At first, JustBats.com had concerns that the bats wouldn't sell because of their odd shape. But the V-grips have developed a loyal following and a "very solid return-customer base," McDaniel says. "Kind of contagious." To help customers understand the design, Justbats.com will soon have an online demonstration video. But McDaniel admits Mattingly "has a long way to go to compete against Louisville Slugger and Easton."

While Mattingly Sports makes bats for every level of play, the company is focusing on the youngest players who are the most willing to change their swing. "We want everybody to use it, but I'm after those kids in little league. I'm after those kids in T-ball," says Mattingly. The company hasn't yet bothered to get its bats approved by Major League Baseball. "We know we have to build from the bottom and not start at the top."

Click here for this story and more at portfolio.com

All-Star Review

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The 79th All-Star Game, a four hour and 50 minute affair, finally came to a close in the bottom of the 15th inning, as the American League defeated the National League 4-3. All nine Baseball Factory and Team One alumni who were named All-Stars received playing time. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers, who started the game in center field, went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. He also put on quite a show in the Home Run Derby the night before when he hit a record-breaking 28 home runs in the first round. Several of his homeruns flew over 500 feet, and at one point during the contest, he hit 13 consecutive homeruns. Ryan Braun, another Baseball Factory and Team One alumni, also participated in the Home Run Derby. With seven homeruns in the first round, he beat out Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, Grady Sizemore, and Evan Longoria to advance to the second round.

Baseball Factory/ Team One Alumni Performances
Ian Kinsler, of the Texas Rangers, entered the game as a pinch runner for Joe Mauer. He finished the game with a single and a stolen base. Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann did not have any at-bats, but he entered the game defensively in the 15th inning. Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays pitched a scoreless fourth inning for the American League, with one hit, no walks, and a strikeout. Aaron Cook came in for the 10th inning and went on to pitch three scoreless innings. Cook only gave up four hits and managed to escape a bases loaded, no out situation. David Wright, who was added to the roster to replace an injured Alfonso Soriano, went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk. Ryan Braun went 0-for-3, and Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox went 0-for-4. Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth had a single, and he threw out Dioner Navarro at home plate in the 11th inning, allowing the game to continue.

Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game, which was played earlier in the week with top minor league prospects from the United States versus other prospects from all over the World, also featured several Baseball Factory and Team One alumni. Phillippe Aumont, a right handed pitcher, was named to the roster for the World team. Catcher Bryan Anderson and shortstop Cliff Pennington played for team USA. Matt LaPorta, who started at first base for Team USA, went 1-for-3 with a single. Team World was victorious, shutting out Team USA in a 3-0 win.

Factory Players Santa Barbara, CA

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Santa Barbara Community College, Santa Barbara, CA

TOP PROSPECT: Seth Spivack | C / OF | 6’0/175 | Calabasas (CA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Jesus Valdez | RHP | 6’2/175 | Hueneme (CA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Jesus Valdez | RHP | 6’2/175 | Hueneme (CA) HS | 2010

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER:Robert Vickers | SS | 6’1/185 | Dos Pueblos (CA) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Dallas, TX

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Northwood University, Dallas, TX

TOP PROSPECT: Sammy Lett | SS | 6’0/175 | Colleyville Heritage (TX) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Jimmy Hawes | 2B / RHP | 5’8/185 | Flower Mound (TX) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Jason Gonzales | RHP | 5’9/218 | North Dallas (TX) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Brandon Mason | 3B | 6’1/190 | Yukon (OK) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Baseball Factory and Team One By the Numbers

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Many Baseball Factory and Team One alumni have continued their baseball success through high school and college, and 186 players have risen to the major league level. The Baseball Factory and Team One are represented by former participants in all 30 major league teams. These players have accumulated some impressive numbers. Batters have 26,848 hits and 3,515 homeruns in a total of 101,088 at-bats. They have also amassed 13,868 RBI’s 1,537 stolen bases, and 13,941 runs scored.

MLB pitchers who participated in Baseball Factory and Team One events have collected 932 wins, 109 complete games, 35 shut outs, 170 saves and 11,102 strike outs. The cumulative ERA for these pitchers is 4.55 in about 16,975 innings.

Though simply reaching the major league level is a great success itself, many of these players have become star hitters and aces of their pitching staffs. CC Sabathia (age 28), who pitched for the Cleveland Indians for eight seasons and was recently traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, has 1,265 career strike outs and 106 wins. Sabathia is also the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Roy Halladay (age 31), who has 121 career wins and a 3.57 ERA, is also a Cy Young Award winner. Justin Verlander (age 25), American League Rookie of the Year Award winner in 2006, has accumulated 402 strike outs, 41 wins and a 3.86 ERA in four seasons with the Detroit Tigers. He threw a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, 2007, in which he struck out 12 batters. Oakland Athletics closer Huston Street (age 24), also a Rookie of the Year Award winner, has collected 93 saves in only 3.5 seasons.

Several Baseball Factory and Team One alumni have attained high career batting averages. David Wright (age 25), the third baseman of the New York Mets, has a .304 career average. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun (age 24) has a career .308 batting average and in 2007 he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Of all the Baseball Factory and Team One players now in the major leagues, Pat Burrell (age 31) of the Philadelphia Phillies has the most home runs, 239 and the most RBI’s, 794. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts (age 30) has stolen the most bases: 211 in eight seasons. Former Baseball Factory and Team One players are also excelling defensively. Eric Chavez (age 30), third baseman for the Oakland Athletics has been awarded six gold gloves and Mark Teixeira (age 28) earned two gold gloves with the Texas Rangers.

Five Baseball Factory alumni will be playing in the 2008 All Star Game at Yankee Stadium. These players include Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler, Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann, Ryan Braun of the Brewers and Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays. Past All-Stars include Hank Blalock (2003 and 2004), Prince Fielder (2007), J.J. Hardy (2007), Felipe Lopez (2005), A.J. Pierzynski (2002 and 2006), Mark Prior (2003), Brian Roberts (2005 and 2007), CC Sabathia (2003 and 2007), Mark Teixeira (2005) and Justin Verlander (2007).

Factory Players Minneapolis, MN

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Legion Field, Minneapolis, MN

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Kris Kwak | 3B/RHP | 6’2/185 | Academy of Holy Angels (MN) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Tommy Peters | OF | 6’0/197 | Dickinson (ND) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Kris Kwak | RHP/3B | 6’2/185 | Academy of Holy Angels (MN) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Skyler Murray | 3B | 6’0/200 | Duluth East (MN) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Buffalo, NY

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Dunn Tire Park, Buffalo, NY

TOP PROSPECT: Jake Burachalk | SS | 5’8/160 | Binghamton (NY) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: John Csatary | OF | 6’0/175 | Blessed Trinity Catholic (ONT) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Jose Delgado | RHP / SS | 6’0/195 | East (PA) HS | 2008

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Jake Burachalk | SS | 5’8/160 | Binghamton (NY) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Baseball Factory Player Selected to USA Baseball 16U National Team Trials

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

We are proud to announce that Trevor Williams has been selected to participate in the USA Baseball National Team Trials. Trevor played with the Baseball Factory team at the USA Baseball 16U Championships – West event. He was one of only 36 players selected from the 144 teams and 2,400 players that participated in the East and West tournaments. He will now compete with the 35 other selected players as the USA Baseball 16U National Team roster is trimmed down to 18.

The final 18-man National Team will compete in the 2008 COPABE ‘AA’ Youth Pan American Championships later this summer.

Trevor is a 6’2”, 200 lb RHP from San Diego, California. A 2010 graduate, Trevor initially attended an Under Armour National Tryout, powered by Baseball Factory, at Cathedral City High School on November 18, 2007. Based on his performance at the Under Armour National Tryout, Trevor was selected as an Under Armour Pre-Season All-American and he earned a roster spot on the Baseball Factory USA Baseball 16U Championships team.

Trevor threw 81 – 89 MPH off the mound at the tryout with a sinking changeup (73 MPH) and a curveball with tight spin and sharp break. Our scouts felt that he was a top tier pitcher, which USA Baseball clearly agreed with. Below are Trevor's stats from the USA 16U Baseball Championships:

Innings Pitched: 10
Earned Runs: 0
Strikeouts: 12
Walks: 2
Hits: 7

We wish Trevor our best at the trials!

Check out the USA Baseball web site for more details.

Check Out what Trevor's Dad, Richard had to say...[more]

Factory Players Chicago, IL

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: McCook Athletic Explosion, Chicago, IL

TOP PROSPECT: Zach Rolf | OF / LHP | 5’10/180 | Davenport North (IA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Neil DeCook | OF / 1B | 5’10/165 | Home School (IL) | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Zach Rolf | LHP / OF | 5’10/180 | Davenport North (IA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Mason Roller | 1B | 6’1/215 | Purdy (MO) HS | 2008

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

1 in 4 College World Series Players Participated with Baseball Factory/Team One

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

With the championship game of the College World Series set, Baseball Factory wanted to congratulate the 56 Baseball Factory and Team One Alumni that participated in this year's College World Series. Every team had at least four players from their roster participate in one of our programs. There are 11 players on both Miami and Stanford's rosters that worked with the Baseball Factory and Team One. Baseball Factory and Team One will have 14 players represented in the College World Series Final between the Bulldogs of Georgia and the Bulldogs of Fresno State.

One of the standout Team One alumni in this year's College World Series was Jemile Weeks, of the Miami Hurricanes batted .362 this year with 13 homeruns, 62 RBI's and 21 stolen bases. Jemile was also drafted 12th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Another Team One player, Jason Castro of the Stanford Cardinal, batted .379 this year with 14 homeruns, 72 RBI's, 67 runs and had a .625 slugging percentage. Jason was selected by the Houston Astros as the 10th overall pick in the 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Two of the standouts that will be fighting for the championship this season are Danny Muno of Fresno State and Joshua Fields of the University of Georgia. A freshman, Danny Muno is already making an impact with his team. He was named Rookie of the Year in the WAC and drove in five runs in the first game of the College World Series. For the season, Danny batted .335 with 3 homeruns, 27 RBI's, 10 stolen bases and 58 runs. A leader on his team, Joshua Fields was drafted 20th overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Joshua was almost a guarantee to close out a game with 17 saves on the season. He boasted a 2.57 ERA and had 60 strikeouts in only 35 innings of work.

We look forward to the conclusion of this exciting College World Series and wish all the players good luck in the games to come and all of their future endeavors.

Check out the full list of former Baseball Factory and Team One players that participated in this year's College World Series.

Factory Players Boston, MA

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Fitton Field, Boston, MA

TOP PROSPECT: Adam Zabel | SS | 5’10/170 | Avon Old Farms (CT) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Matthew Consigli | 2B | 5’9/155 | Northbridge (MA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Phil Rossi | RHP | 6’6/207 | Catholic Memorial (MA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Adam Zabel | SS | 5’10/170 | Avon Old Farms (CT) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Pittsburgh, PA

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Consol Energy Park, Pittsburgh, PA

TOP PROSPECT: Thomas Kuban | 3B | 6’2/195 | Pine-Richland (PA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Anthony Raschilla | 3B | 6’0/195 | McDonald (PA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Corey Young | RHP | 6’0/160 | Ringgold (PA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Thomas Kuban | 3B | 6’2/195 | Pine-Richland (PA) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Three Baseball Factory Players Lead High School Team to North Carolina State Championship

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Intense rivalries between pure enemies have become prevalent in primetime games in every sport: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Lakers vs. Celtics, or Glasgow Celtic vs. Glasgow Rangers. Each team pushes the other to the limit in an all out war to see who will be honored as the champion, or who will go home the loser.

With the Lawrence Academy Warriors Varsity Baseball team heading into their fourth straight North Carolina 1A State Championship, a similar foe awaited them to battle it out for the crown, Waccamaw Academy. Lawrence had made it to the big game every year since 2005. In two of those three games, Waccamaw came away the winner. However this year was going to be different.

With the team securing the Tarheel Independent Conference Championship, Lawrence went into the state tournament with a full head of steam. All-Conference players Evan Holton, Daniel Oliver, and Chad Whitehead spearheaded the Warriors. For the season, Holton (.456 batting average) shined at shortstop with a .940 fielding percentage, and had a hit in every game! Oliver (.439 batting average), had a .600 on base percentage and was an ace on the mound. Oliver was also selected Tournament MVP and Conference Player of the Year. Whitehead had a .400 batting average, and was a force behind the plate as the team's catcher.

After a hard fought battle against Ridgecroft School in which Lawrence came back from a 5-0 hole to win 7-5, the Warriors were heading into the Final Four with momentum and confidence. Faith Christian School was Lawrence's next victim, as the Warriors defeated them 10-5 and returned to the championship game.

Like a wave of anticipation that surges before a heavy weight fight, Lawrence and Waccamaw weighed in and took to the field Friday night, May 16. With the pitching rotation lined up to perfection, Daniel Oliver went out and blanked Waccamaw in route to a 10-0 victory in the first game of the best-of-three series! The next day the Warriors laid down the knockout blow as they capped the championship season with an 11-3 win to take the school's first baseball title since 2002.

All three, Holton, Oliver, and Whitehead were named to the 2008 NCISAA 1A Baseball All-State Team, and with each of them returning next year (Oliver for his senior year, and Holton and Whitehead for their junior years) the Warriors will be locked and loaded to make a repeat run.

Each of them competed with Baseball Factory at the Florida National Tournament and the Under Armour National Tryout in North Carolina. Here at the Baseball Factory, we wish each of these boys the best of luck and success throughout their baseball careers.

Factory Players San Jose, CA

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Pioneer High School, San Jose, CA

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Stephen Piscotty | SS | 6’3/185 | Amador Valley (CA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Peter Miller | C | 6’0/220 | Santa Cruz (CA) HS | 2010

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Stephen Piscotty | SS | 6’3/185 | Amador Valley (CA) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Orlando, FL

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Seminole CC, Orlando, FL

TOP PROSPECT: Romer Portes | OF/SS | 6’0/190 | Colonial (FL) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Ahmad Christian | SS/2B | 5’9/170 | Trinity Christian Academy (FL) HS | 2011

Eric Sams | SS/RHP | 5’11/170 | Lake Brantley (FL) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: David Pooler | RHP/OF | 6’4/185 | Community Christian Academy (FL) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Romer Portes | OF/SS | 6’0/190 | Colonial (FL) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Ask Doug: How Do I Handle the Pressure?

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Ask Doug

Doug Glanville is working with the Baseball Factory and Team One Baseball as a Special Consultant. He will be writing articles and looking for your questions and feedback. If you have a question for Doug, please email him at askdoug@baseballfactory.com

Q: Hey Doug, I’m 16 and a freshman at Oak Hill Academy and this is my first year on the varsity baseball team. We are very well respected school as far as basketball, our baseball team is not nearly as good but we aren't awful at 6-6. I’m an outfielder but the first 2 games this season I was a DH and I was 0-6 with 4 strike outs and my coach said there was no chance I’d play in the outfield this season. I was pretty much a scrub for a while. Over the course of the season though I have been improving a lot. I won the award for the "Most Improved." The past 10 or so games I have played every game and have been batting over .300 with an OBP of .500 and have worked myself into the starting rotation as an outfielder. I got invited to tryout for the Under Armour National Team from Baseball Factory on May 25, and have never performed in front of a camera or scouts or pros like you. Do you have any advice on how I can handle the pressure?

A: I think people often underestimate the need to learn how to manage stress in our lives and it is no different for someone who has to perform in front of an audience. It is only human to want to do well and to worry about what people think of us. Even at the major league level, players are always trying to find ways to be in control of their fears so that they can perform to the best of their ability.

Just like you have to work on your swing, it is as important to work on the mental side of the game. I spent a lot of time trying to find routines before and during a game to manage my stress and allow my abilities to shine through. We are often our own worst enemy when we get inside of our own head and let doubt creep in.

Finding the ways by which we handle stress is a personal journey and each of us is different. As an example, when I played in the minor leagues, one year I took a book called “Magic Eye” and used to stare at different pages to find the 3D image in the background. It was a fun game to play before the real thing. And for a month, no one could get me out.

If you look at your life, what are things you do to relax or to enjoy yourself? Maybe it is play a video game, maybe you listen to some tunes, maybe you like to take a walk. There is no reason you can’t do all of these things before your game. And don’t forget that you are doing what you love to do, so remember it is fun, even when it isn’t going as well as you want it to go.

I realize that today, it is easy to get caught up in the numbers. We are always looking at statistics to measure things, but don’t forget about the joy of just being out there. Even if you have a bad game at the plate, maybe you make a diving catch and save the game. Maybe you make that key pitch on the outside corner when it counts.

Also, keep in the mind that it is only human to be nervous or anxious. I probably played in over 1700 professional games and before each one, I was nervous. The key is to find a way to turn that around into a positive force for you. Use it to fuel your game.

A beauty about baseball is usually, there is always tomorrow. You do the best you can with the opportunity in front of you and it important to have the confidence that you will get another chance somewhere, sometime.

In the meantime, learn yourself, have fun with figuring out what to do before a game to get into that zone. It may take a while, but you will find something that clicks and if that stops working, find something else. Most of the time, we are not doing as badly as we think we are doing (or as well as we think we doing either!). So, take a deep breath, get out there and have fun!

Doug

If you have a question you would like to “Ask Doug,” please email askdoug@baseballfactory.com.

Doug Glanville attended and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Systems Science and Engineering. Glanville was drafted 12th overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 1991 amateur draft. Glanville played nine seasons in the Majors, getting his break with the Cubs. He also spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and a portion of the 2003 season with the Texas Rangers. In 1999, Glanville batted .325 with 204 hits, 101 runs, six homeruns, 73 runs batted in and 34 stolen bases. He led the league in singles with 149 that year. Glanville joined the Baseball Factory as a Special Consultant at the end of 2007.

21 First Round Draft Picks from the 2008 MLB Draft were Involved with Baseball Factory, from Scouting to Player Development to Showcasing

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Factory Players Columbus, OH

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Dublin Jerome High School, Columbus, OH

TOP PROSPECT: Bryan Vranic | OF | 5’10/170 | Dublin Coffman (OH) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Charlie Suich | C | 5’10/185 | Dublin Scioto (OH) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Rob Brewer | LHP | 5’11/150 | Upper Arlington (OH) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Nic Cluxton | OF | 6’0/168 | Miamisburg (OH) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Baseball Factory's Steve Bernhardt featured on Baltimore's ESPN Radio 1300 and MASN, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Steve Bernhardt, Executive VP of Baseball Operations for Baseball Factory, will be interviewed on Baltimore's ESPN Radio 1300 and MASN, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, to discuss the MLB Amateur Draft. Bernhardt will appear on the Mark Viviano Show at Noon EST on Thursday, June 5. The Mark Viviano Show airs live Monday through Friday on ESPN Radio 1300.

Bernhardt will also appear on the Anita Marks show at 3:20 PM EST on Friday, June 6. The Anita Marks Show airs live Monday through Friday on ESPN Radio 1300. It is also telecast on MASN, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Comcast channel 44 in Baltimore).

Tune into ESPN Radio and MASN on Thursday and Friday to hear the interviews with Steve Bernhardt. Check back to baseballfactory.com for the Podcast of the shows, if you miss the live appearance.

Under Armour National Tryout in Crestwood Location Change

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Due to the weather we will be moving the Under Armour National Tryout 6/25/2008 that was going to be held at Standard Bank Stadium, indoors to the McCook Athletic Exposition. Please click here for directions to the facility.

Factory Players Kennesaw, GA

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: North Cobb High School, Kennesaw, GA

TOP PROSPECT: James Harris | SS/OF | 6’1/190 | Etowah (GA) HS | 2010

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: James Harris | SS/OF | 6’1/190 | Etowah (GA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Brayn Benzor | RHP | 6’2/180 | Grayson (GA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Taylor Hinshaw | 1B | 6’1/205 | Winder-Barrow (GA) HS | 2010

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Salt Lake City, UT

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Gates Field, Salt Lake City, UT

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Vince Giron | 1B | 6’3/260 | Bingham (UT) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Colton Barkdull | C / RHP | 5’10/155 | Tooele (UT) HS | 2011

TOP PITCHER: Justin Campbell | RHP | 6’1/180 | Alta (UT) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Vince Giron | 1B | 6’3/260 | Bingham (UT) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Baden Sports Named Official Baseball of Baseball Factory

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baden Sports Named Official Baseball of Baseball Factory

Baseball Factory and Baden Sports enter into strategic partnership

Columbia, MD (May 30, 2008) – Baseball Factory announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership with Baden Sports to be the Official Baseball of Baseball Factory.

In addition, Baden Sports will serve as the official baseball of the Under Armour All-America game, powered by Baseball Factory. This game will be held on August 17, 2008 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The game will be nationally telecast on ESPNU, showcasing thirty-six of the nation’s best rising juniors and seniors. Baden will also be the Official Ball of Baseball University, the first online, distance learning program in the sports industry designed to increase the overall baseball knowledge of players, parents, coaches and baseball enthusiasts worldwide through professional digital video, educational lectures and detailed written materials.

“We are excited to partner with Baden Sports and name them as our Official Baseball,” said Steve Sclafani, CEO and Founder of the Baseball Factory. “We are thrilled to be able to provide our players and coaches with what are far and away the best balls in the industry. Baden’s passion is a perfect match for the serious players and coaches that Baseball Factory works with on a daily basis.”

“Baden Sports is proud to partner with baseball’s best high school instructional organization,” said Michael Schindler, Baden’s CEO. “We are truly impressed with the quality of the players and coaches at Baseball Factory and look forward to being their ball provider in the years to come.”

Baseball Factory representatives across the country will support Baden’s marketing efforts at local events and tournaments. Baseball Factory will also begin selling Baden products to its community of coaches, parents and players.

About Baseball Factory, Inc. Baseball Factory provides baseball players nationwide with the very best instruction, tournament competition, and college planning and guidance. Baseball Factory has developed programs to provide players, parents, high school coaches, college coaches, and professional scouts with year round advice and training so that they all can benefit from Baseball Factory's longstanding relationships in the baseball community. Known as the nation’s leader in player development and college placement, Baseball Factory will host over 200 events and work with over 7,000 players throughout the country in 2008. During the company’s 14-year history, over 20,000 players have gone on to play collegiate baseball and over 180 players have reached the major league level. www.baseballfactory.com

About Baden Sports, Inc. Baden Sports, Inc., an independent, family-owned company based in Federal Way, Wash., is a designer and producer of the highest quality athletic balls and equipment in sports. Baden’s product leadership has led many collegiate conferences, programs and coaches to choose Baden as their “Official Ball.” These include the winningest coaches in NCAA men’s and women’s history: Bob Knight of Texas Tech University and Pat Summitt of the 2007 National Champion University of Tennessee Lady Vols. Baden sells its products internationally with distribution centers in Federal Way, Wash. and Louisville, Ky. www.badensports.com

Ask Doug: I Can't Break This Slump!

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Ask Doug

Q: Mr. Glanville, my son had a great freshman baseball year. He broke the school record in RBI's. He had a 9 game hitting streak. All seemed to be great. He played summer and fall ball. This sophomore year, he seems to be in a bit of a slump. When you got in a hitting slump, what worked best for you.... going out and just hitting balls, or working with a trainer on your swing? My husband and I differ on this, and I want my son to have every advantage there is. Thank you. Baseball Mom

A: It is not a lot of fun to be in a slump, but as you advance to the higher levels, it will happen a lot more often.

With each new level, the expectations are higher, the competition is better and most likely, you will be playing a lot more often, not just on weekends or sunny days. So it is good to understand that slumps will happen, but you will get out of it.

Like anything, you learn a lot when you are struggling. When you are on top of the world, everything seems like it is on auto-pilot. Low stress and you don’t have to think. But in a slump, your mind is racing, you can feel every part of your body, and you practically forget that you have to hit the ball.

There are many ways to attack a slump but I have to be clear that there is no magic answer. It will come down to every player’s style and comfort zone. Some players are visual, some like to write, some like to hit until their hands fall off, but in the end, the most important thing is to protect the confidence in yourself that you WILL get out of it.

For me, I tried to understand, mechanically, what I was doing wrong. The amazing thing about baseball is that you only can be off by a hair and it will feel like you never held a bat in your hand. Relax. It isn’t as bad as it feels.

One problem I had a lot was that I would jump out at the ball. I didn’t give myself the needed time to let the ball come to me and I would move forward too quickly. So I needed to find ways to slow myself down. The interesting thing about baseball is that there are so many kinds of pitches and each kind of pitch can exploit your mistakes.

For example, when you are jumping at the ball, it is next to impossible to hit a tough curveball on the outside corner. Usually balls on the outside corner require more patience and better mechanics, so it is a good idea when you are pulling off or jumping to work on the outside pitch because as soon as you show a bad habit, the result will let you know, immediately.

I liked soft toss, but maybe you like hitting off of the tee. Bobby Abreu with the Yankees loved the video room. He could see something he was doing and make his adjustments in batting practice.

Once we have figured out the mechanical angle to the slump, you need to practice. At least until it feels natural and automatic. And don’t forget to mix in your strengths. Make a routine or a mini-game out of it. I used to hit with Rafael Palmeiro in spring training and we would play a game where we would have to hit the ball off of a tee into a square. Tough game! Alex Rodriguez loved the curveball machine. It helped him stay back.

Last but certainly not least is you have to get your mind right. A lot of slumps happen because we let doubt creep in. “How long is this going to go well?” “Oh no, I don’t hit this pitcher very well.” “This umpire doesn’t like me.” “I don’t hit well at night.” All those are issues, but they also make us be our own enemy. Be positive, relax and never forget you are doing something you love to do. Remember all the success you have had in this game and trust that you will find it again. And when you do, the slump you broke out of will make you appreciate the good times even more.

Doug

If you have a question you would like to “Ask Doug,” please email askdoug@baseballfactory.com.

Factory Players Nashville, TN

Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National
Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's
entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National
setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Daryl Norris | 1B / RHP | 6’1/208 | Fairhope (AL) HS | 2010 – What an exciting young 1B/RHP! Just a 2010 Graduate, Norris doesn’t have a ceiling on his future. A two way guy for sure at the collegiate level, Norris most likely projects best on the mound where he sits 90-92 with a well above avg. CB & CH. Norris was the best in every category (except footspeed) at the workout.

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Daryl Norris

TOP PITCHER: Daryl Norris – With a 90-92 mph FB and some arm side run and sink and an easy arm, this could easily be 95-96 in a year or two. He shows two excellent off speed pitches with a smooth delivery. A legitimate prospect.

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Brooks Oursler | 1B/RHP | 6’6/210 | Evangelical Christian (TN) HS | 2009 – “A legitimate Division 1 hitter” is what was portrayed from the Baseball Factory Regional scout that evaluated Oursler. He showed great leverage and extension on balls that had excellent backspin and carry.

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

Factory Players Phoenix, AZ

Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

TOP PROSPECT: Vincent Littleman | LHP | 5’11/170 | Page (AZ) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Ryan Comford | SS | 5’11/165 | Saguaro (AZ) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Vincent Littleman | LHP | 5’11/170 | Page (AZ) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Vincent Littleman | LHP | 5’11/170 | Page (AZ) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

WRIGLEY FIELD TO HOST THE 2008 UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICA BASEBALL GAME

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Under Armour, Inc.
1020 Hull Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

CONTACT:
Tai Foster MWW@Deutsch for Under Armour, Inc
201-460-2839 tfoster@mww.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WRIGLEY FIELD TO HOST THE 2008 UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICA BASEBALL GAME

The Game Showcases the Nation’s Top High School Baseball Players

Baltimore, MD. (May 23, 2008) – Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA) Under Armour and Baseball Factory today announced that the 2008 Under Armour All-America Baseball game will be played at the historic Wrigley Field on Sunday, August 17. Previously called the Cape Cod High School Baseball Classic presented by Under Armour, this marks the first-year that Under Armour will serve as the game’s title sponsor. This is the first-ever high school All-America game to be played at Wrigley Field. The game is airing live nationally on ESPNU at 1:20 p.m. EDT.

The 2008 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, powered by Baseball Factory will showcase thirty-six of the nation’s best rising juniors and seniors, competing in a Baseball Factory versus Team One Baseball match-up. The players are selected by a committee of Baseball Factory and Team One Baseball scouts.

“We’re excited to present the premier event for the country’s elite high school baseball players,” said Steve Battista, Senior Vice President, Brand. “The tradition-rich and world-famous Wrigley Field is the perfect venue to spotlight the talented-young baseball players who are changing the face of the game.”

Since the game’s inception in 2005, 39 participants have been selected in the Major League Baseball draft including Josh Vitters (No.3 overall pick in 2007, Chicago Cubs) and Philippe Aumont (No.11 overall pick in 2007, Seattle Mariners). The game provides the players the opportunity to perform in front of numerous scouting directors and player personnel decision makers from Major League Baseball. Approximately 100 scouts and college coaches attended last year’s game to evaluate the Under Armour All-Americans.

“Baseball Factory works with 7,000 players each year at more than 200 events nationwide. From these players and recommendations from our scouting network we select the best high school players in the nation to compete in the Under Armour All-America Game, powered by Baseball Factory,” said Steve Sclafani, CEO and Founder, Baseball Factory. “We are excited to join Under Armour in showcasing these talented players at Wrigley Field and across the country on ESPNU.”

Tickets will go on sale at 3:00 p.m. through cubs.com and tickets.com. All tickets will be $5 and seating will be general admission.

“Our partnership with Under Armour is truly unique and special,” stated Matt Wszolek, Chicago Cubs Director of Sales and Promotions. “We are extremely honored to team up with them to host the Under Armour All-America Baseball game at Wrigley Field.”

Baden Sports will serve as the Official Baseball of the game. Mattingly Sports will be the Official Baseball Bat of the game.

About Under Armour, Inc.Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand's moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The Company's products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.underarmour.com.

About Baseball Factory, Inc.
Baseball Factory provides baseball players nationwide with the very best instruction, tournament competition, and college planning and guidance. Baseball Factory has developed programs to provide players, parents, high school coaches, college coaches, and professional scouts with year round advice and training so that they all can benefit from Baseball Factory's longstanding relationships in the baseball community. Baseball Factory acquired Team One Baseball in 2004. Team One Baseball provides exposure opportunities for the nation’s top high school players to come together and play in front of large amounts of scouts and college recruiters through the company’s showcase events. Together, Baseball Factory and Team One events have featured more than 180 players who have played or are currently playing in the Majors.

Factory Players San Antonio, TX

Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Virgil T Blossom Athletic Center, San Antonio, TX

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Zachary Burdick| 1B | 6’4/200 | Boerne (TX) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Fernando Garza | SS / RHP | 5’8/140 | Alexander (TX) HS | 2011

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Baltimore, MD

Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Baseball Factory Field at UMBC

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Chris Branigan | LHP/1B | 6’3/205 | Bishop Eustace (NJ) HS | 2009 – Branigan is fun to watch. A borderline big league body and very easy actions at the plate, on the mound, and at 1st base makes him almost a certain two-way guy at the collegiate level. Chris should also be a sub 7 runner as he matures, which could translate into OF potential to utilize his athletic ability.

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Aaron Lee | MIF | 5’10/165 | Mt. Saint Joseph (MD) HS | 2010 – Aaron is a smooth fielding MIF that showed an advanced approach at the plate. His strengths are his glove and his approach and his arm, foot speed, and power will surely improve as he matures physically.

TOP PITCHER: Matt Alvarez | RHP/SS | 6’2/180 | Princeton (NJ) HS | 2009 – Alvarez has a live arm with a heavy, heavy FB. He topped at 89 mph and was sitting 85-87 with a CB that flashed excellent action. Matt will continue to improve and gain velocity on a pitch that could already be effective at the next level.

MATTINGLY BASEBAL TOP HITTER: Chris Branigan | LHP/1B | 6’3/205 | Bishop Eustace (NJ) HS | 2009 – Showed a smooth left handed stroke with excellent balance and the ability to use the entire field. A talented, athletic player that will be fun to follow over the next couple of years.

The Factory Undeniable Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

Ask Doug: The Ivy Experience

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Ask Doug

Q: I wanted to just write to say I think guys like you should be held up more in front of the national media as true role models. Also, I know you are from Teaneck, so am I. I grew up playing TSLL and enjoyed the game as a kid, now I have three boys. They all have played TSLL the youngest is still playing there. Anyway my oldest has been receiving some interest from high academic institutions for baseball. Is there anything you would tell a player about the IVY experience and how they can still have their dream of being a pro ball player, thanks for your time.

A: Choosing the right college is a tough task, especially when it is a choice that involves the Ivy League. If you are a student that is in this position, I am here to tell you that you can still have the exposure that would give you a chance to play at the next level, but it may take a commitment to go the extra mile.

Playing at an Ivy League institution is challenging for a baseball player because the schedule is limited. 40 games sandwiched in on weekends and a few spots during the week. When comparing this to the Pac-10 or the ACC, Ivy League players just don’t get the same amount of playing time.

But, even in my day at Penn, there was substantial representation in the Cape Cod Baseball League. More specifically, there were four players from my college team in the league. Two of the three top awards in the league went to ivy leaguers. So, it is possible to get national notice at an Ivy League school. These days with the Internet and the information highway, if you perform, they will find you.

I took a lot of heat for choosing an Ivy League school when I could have attended a bigger baseball program like the University of Miami. But, when the scouts questioned my commitment to the game, I could point to the fact that I wasn’t on scholarship, that I was playing in front of small crowds and that it was cold for a good part of the season. Not to mention the professors were not lenient (in a good way) about missing classes. So I argued that I was playing because I loved the game, since there were not a lot of the same “advantages” as the other schools. I think they appreciated that argument.

It comes down to a student-athlete’s goal for attending college in the first place. As baseball players, it is important to find the right baseball home to help propel him to the next level. An ivy leaguer may have to commit to playing more in the summers or jumping up and down a little to get noticed, but these days, the gap is closing, partly because of such wonderful programs as Baseball Factory.

In the big picture, it is about a long-term goal. Choosing a college should include many priorities, but in the end the education should be the top vote getter. There are many quality schools out there that are not ivy league that will provide a wonderful education while having national exposure in sports (Stanford, Duke, Rice are examples). But, I will say that choosing an Ivy League school will still give you an opportunity to excel at the next level and for sure it is a top performer for life after the next level.

Doug

If you have a question you would like to “Ask Doug,” please email askdoug@baseballfactory.com.

Factory Players Richmond, VA

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Deep Run HS, Richmond, VA

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Isaac Ballou | OF | 6’2/150 | Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (VA) HS | 2009

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Landon Prentiss | SS | 6’0/170 | Henrico (VA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER:Thomas Kohlman | RHP | 5’11/160 | Hidden Valley (VA) HS | 2009

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Isaac Ballou | OF | 6’2/150 | Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (VA) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Factory Players Olympia, WA

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

LOCATION: Tumwater HS, Olympia, WA

Please Note: Many players are selected for our Under Armour National Tournament and Training Camps that do not appear on the Factory Players List. The Tournament and Training Camp selections take into consideration the player's entire performance and how the scouts feel they will perform in a National setting. A player might have performed well enough to be selected for a Tournament or Training Camp, but may not have been the most elite from the day.

TOP PROSPECT: Ryan Beam | OF / RHP | 6’3/220 | Tumwater (WA) HS | 2008

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN: Jeff Levine | C / OF | 6’1/180 | Tumwater (WA) HS | 2010

TOP PITCHER: Ryan Beam | RHP / OF | 6’3/220 | Tumwater (WA) HS | 2008

THE MATTINGLY BASEBALL TOP HITTER: Josh Kutz | C | 6’1/195 | Kennedy Catholic (WA) HS | 2009

The Factory Players were selected by Jim Gemler (Director of On-Field Sessions | Scouting Coordinator).

COLLEGE COACHES - visit our Online Player Database

2008 Schedule

Former Baseball Factory Player Leads JMU

Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

The staff here at the Baseball Factory would like to congratulate Joe Lake on his outstanding career at James Madison University. Joe, who is in his final season for the Dukes, is team captain and the starting second basemen. Joe started out with the Baseball Factory when he was just nine years old and continued through high school. While in high school Joe was named as a Baseball Factory All-American. Joe also worked with our Exclusive staff which helped him find James Madison University. The Baseball Factory wishes Joe success with the rest of the season and all of his future endeavors.

Lake Not So Superior?

JMU Captain Says He's ‘Average.' Don't Believe Him.
By Dustin Dopirak

HARRISONBURG - A few times during the James Madison baseball team's resurgent season, discussion arose about just how good of a sendoff this could be for senior second baseman Joe Lake.

But that discussion never went very far.

"The thing with that is, anytime we get into conversation about, ‘Hey, this is a heck of a way for you to go out,'" junior outfielder Brett Sellers said, "he always brings you back and says, ‘You know, guys, it's not about me.' It's never about Joe."

It's certainly not that he doesn't appreciate it - "It means a lot to me," he said, "...it's cool to have people that care about you like that" - and it's definitely not that he disagrees that this could be, in fact, a heck of a way to go out.

Lake is hitting a brilliant .365, second on a team that at 30-11 overall, 18-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association, stands in second place in the league with two CAA series to go before the conference tournament. The Dukes' No. 2 hole hitter is also second on the team in on-base percentage (.459), third in slugging (.494), fourth in runs scored (33) and tied for fourth in RBIs (24).

But standing by and listening to others gush praise at him just isn't Lake's style. The two-time captain from Elkridge, Md., is much more likely to be self-deprecating than self-satisfied, and basking in any sort of glory would be a drain on his everyman ethos.

"He's a good servant leader," associate head coach Jay Sullenger said. "He's interested in the team and making it better, and if he asks someone to do something, he only asks because its something that he's already done, or that he's willing to do right along side of him."

That's exactly why they're talking about sending him out with a bang. It's why players who appear to have been genetically engineered for this game look up to a guy who at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds couldn't possibly look any more average.

"He's not a guy that's going to put the ball out of the ballpark all the time," Sellers said. "He's not flashy. ... But he's always getting the job done. He's always executing. He's always putting together a good at-bat. And everybody seems to like Joe. He's in with every different kind of group there is. That goes back to his character. He's never too big for anybody."

But he also earned his team's respect by never believing that the game was too big for him.

Although Lake hit .468 as a junior at Long Reach High School in suburban Baltimore and was named his team's MVP twice, James Madison was the only Division I school to recruit him. Before JMU came calling, he was looking to play at Division II Shippensburg.

"To be honest, we didn't know where he was going to play," JMU coach Spanky McFarland said. "We knew we could use him to fill in in a lot of different places. We thought he would be a good depth guy, but we didn't know if he would ever turn into this kind of player."

He did, in part, because of a work ethic learned from his father, Joe, who served in the Marines in Vietnam and now works as an anesthesiologist.
"That's just how my parents brought me up," Lake said. "Nothing is ever going to be handed to you, so you gotta be there taking extra practice, getting extra hacks. You have to have that work ethic. ... I just expected to compete for a job. Knew I'd have to work hard. I don't have any outstanding talents; I'm basically an average baseball player. I knew that when I got here, I had an opportunity to work my butt off."

He also knew he'd have to approach games knowing his limitations. Swinging for the fences wasn't an option. Laying down bunts and moving runners would be the key to his game.

"He doesn't have the same amount of ability some guys do," Sullenger said. "But he has a much better ability to use what he has to his advantage. He's very willing to use the other side of the field and find the holes out there. He's a results-oriented guy. It doesn't matter what it looks like to him."

With that mentality, Lake broke the starting lineup in 21 games in his redshirt freshman season, then hit .327 as a sophomore in 2006 when the Dukes won the CAA regular-season title.

For his junior season, with most of the team graduating, he was named one of the co-captains, which seemed a logical choice considering his outgoing personality.

"You can't not like Joe," junior first baseman Lee Bujakowski said. "He's a give-you-the-shirt-off-his-back type guy. ... He's there for every single one of us."

But Lake's first year in the position was a struggle. Early in the season he collided with a runner at third and hurt his back - an injury that cost him 12 games and helped drag his average down to .241. As a junior, he also struggled with knowing when he needed to speak up in the dugout and took some of the blame for team discord that helped lead to the Dukes' 22-31 season.

"The hardest thing for myself was having some guys a little older than me still on the team," he said. "I was not as bold with what I was saying."

This season, he entered practice knowing he would be the undisputed leader as one of just two seniors on the team and the only everyday player in the class. He's relished his role as the clubhouse big brother, and it's been even more enjoyable considering his and the team's success on the field.

"With this mix of guys, everyone is listening," Lake said. "They open their ears to everything. It's great to have younger guys that are willing to listen to the older guys."

And it's made this year a heck of a way for Lake to go out.